a) obtaining a training device comprised of:

1) a pitching plate; wherein the pitching plate is planar; wherein the pitching plate is of a predetermined thickness; wherein a means to secure the pitching plate to the ground is provided; wherein a means to connect a rope to the pitching plate is provided; wherein a plurality of notches are provided on the pitching plate; wherein a means to connect one end of a rope is provided in each of the notches in the pitching plate;

2) a rope; wherein a rope has a means of connection on the first and second ends of the rope; wherein the first end of said rope is connected to the pitching plate; wherein the second end of said rope is connected to home plate; wherein a single rope is used;

3) a home plate; wherein home plate is of a predetermined thickness; wherein home plate is planar; wherein a means to secure home plate to the ground is provided; wherein a series of notches are provided on front surface of the home plate; wherein a means to connect one end of a rope is provided in each of the notches in home plate; wherein a means to connect the rope to one end of home plate is provided;

b) securing the pitching plate to the ground;

c) selecting the notch to be used;

d) connecting the first end of the rope to the pitching plate;

e) placing the home plate the appropriate distance from the pitching plate;

f) securing the home plate to the ground;

g) connecting the second end of the rope to the home plate;

h) insuring that the rope is straight between the pitching plate and the home plate;

i) pitching a ball from the pitching plate to the home plate so that the pitcher's foot lands on the rope that has been placed between the pitching plate and the home plate.